Latest news with #DeKalbCountySchoolBoard
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DeKalb Co. school board approves contract to build new combined middle, high school
The DeKalb County School Board approved the final contract to build a first of its kind new combined middle and high school. Work on the new Doraville facility has already begun. Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach was at Sequoyah Middle School on Aztec Road, where officials said both schools will be on the same campus. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Some facilities, like new sports fields and gymnasiums, will be shared between the middle and high schools. Officials told Gehlbach that the middle school that's currently on-site will be replaced and they'll also build a brand new high school. TRENDING STORIES: Mother describes horrifying moments as she watched her SUV burst into flames along GA 400 Mom pleads guilty to killing young daughter, leaving her remains in DeKalb apartment for months Man pretending to make DoorDash delivery tries breaking into woman's apartment 'People are excited, now able to see [it] come to fruition,' Principal Sedrick Anthony said. He told Channel 2 Action News that the building on campus right now was built in the 1960s and it shows. While the school only has a capacity of 1,000 students, Anthony said 'We surpassed that about 11 years ago, so currently we're at 1,600 students.' The new schools are needed for the growing city of Doraville, but also encompass the Buford Highway corridor from Chamblee to Norcross. The principal said the current student population is more than 90% Hispanic, with English as a second language, saying that the new schools will reenergize students, staff and the community as a whole. 'I would say a significant investment in students that have typically been marginalized so have opportunity to say you're important and you're invested,' Anthony said. The DeKalb County School Board approved the final contract to build the new school on Monday for a $230 million education special local option sales tax, or E-SPLOST. The first phase of moving into a new middle school should be complete by summer 2027, with the high school to complete in 2029. Officials told Channel 2 Action News that the schools will probably have a new name, new mascot and new colors. A community meeting to talk about ideas is set for April 28. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DeKalb school board to vote on nearly $150 million upgrade for Cross Keys High School
The DeKalb County School Board is expected to vote Monday night on major renovations for an old high school. Cross Keys High School was built off of North Druid Hills Road in the 1950s, and many people in the community say it has been neglected for far too long. The school is slated for a $148,000,000 upgrade, if the funding is approved by the school board. Channel 2 Action News will be at the board meeting. Get the latest updates on and on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The nondescript building currently has about 1,700 students. Channel 2′s Bryan Mims spoke with a neighbor and school volunteer who say they have seen signs of disrepair at the school. 'It's not any specific thing. It's just the whole building reeks of age,' neighbor Alex Kirk, who's lived across the street from the school for 11 years, said. 'It seems like it's just one HVAC malfunction away from completely breaking down.' The money would go to building a 140,000-sqaure-foot addition, including a performing arts center, a new front entrance, refurbished classrooms and media center, pedestrian paths and a courtyard. TRENDING STORIES: Body of beloved teacher found a month after vanishing on Lake Oconee After-prom party shooting kills former Cobb County student Man 'allowed' 3-year-old to be attacked by aggressive dog Of the $148,000,000 total, $99,000,000 is funded with an Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax approved by voters. 'You know, it couldn't be a better time. It definitely needs to be done,' Kirk said. 'And if things were in a better place by the time [my 9-year-old daughter] makes it to high school, it couldn't be easier; just walk across the street.' Once construction begins, it is expected to take three or four years to complete, and students will continue coming to class while the work is in progress. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
